We are forever on the lookout for new and interesting places that entice us to pack up the snacks, lunch box, picnic rug and esky to spend a lovely leisurely afternoon enjoying the fresh air and great outdoors.
From up in the Dandenong Ranges to Albert Park Lake to pretty much anywhere along Port Phillip Bay to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melburnians really are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful locations suitable for all kinds of picnic adventures.
We know there are so many hidden gems in and around our beautiful city to explore, so we’ve rounded up the best picnic spots Melbourne has to offer according to the Sage x Clare fam.
Whether you're after views, BBQ facilities, kid-friendliness, yummy food or walking tracks one of our team’s fave picnic spots will surely be a winner for your next picnic outing.
Featured: Floria Classic Picnic Mat
Pizza & magical bay views
Where: St Kilda Beach, St Kilda
The best bits: “My fave thing to do on a balmy night is to get takeaway pizza from I Carusi in St Kilda and sit at the beach as the sun is going down. You can’t go wrong with any of their Fungi, Quattro Formaggi and Contadina pizzas *chef’s kiss*.” – Deb
St Kilda Beach, St Kilda
A family fave with picnic tables galore
Where: Wonguim Wilam Playspace, Warrandyte
The best bits: “My favourite spot is very close to home! I love the Wonguim Wilam Playspace for a picnic as it's quite literally got everything you need. Recently upgraded, it has an enchanting wooden playground with plenty of picnic tables to sit at, a grassy area, a sweet caravan Chocolate Lemon serving coffee and great food, a bakery and an old-fashioned lolly shop. We often head down there for a coffee and let the kids have a play at the playground before wandering along the banks of the Yarra River...This inevitably ends with the kids getting covered in mud as they love playing at the water's edge, collecting interesting pebbles and twigs. We usually end our adventures back at the lolly shop for a brightly coloured ice cream. It's the perfect spot for the whole family.” – Pheebs
Featured: Portofino Holiday Picnic Mat
Dog-friendly with lakeside walking tracks
Where: Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir
The best bits: “It has a little of everything so you can always find something to do – a dog park, quiet spots in the grass overlooking the lake to have a nice picnic, a big playground, a nice walking track around the lake, skate park, BBQs, picnic tables, bowls club, and more! We like to find a quiet spot on the hill to have a glass of wine and cheese.” – Erin
City views with plenty of green space
Where: Fawkner Park, South Yarra
The best bits: “I walk to Fawkner Park nearly every day and as soon as I set foot inside this leafy location, an instant feeling of calm washes over me. Giant trees line the paths and the golden sunlight trickles through the branches across the park on summer evenings. Whilst centrally located near the city, it feels totally tranquil and I love the backdrop of the city skyline in the distance. It’s very close to the Botanic Gardens and a highly underrated park if you ask me! There’s also a great playground for kiddies and often soccer or cricket games for your entertainment as you sip your Aperol spritz and nibble on a platter. My hot tip – set your picnic mat up near the toilet blocks and underneath the towering trees for some shade. If you feel like a walk post picnic, there are paths spread across the entire park. Oh and lastly, if you need to top up your supplies, there’s a Cellarbrations within a couple of minutes walk.” – Bonnie
Fawkner Park, South Yarra
Calming lake views over coffee
Where: Queens Park, Moonee Ponds
The best bits: “My husband and I stumbled upon this little gem when we moved to Melbourne in January. We often walk our 2 corgis around the calming, vibrant lake. It’s a great park to throw down a picnic rug and watch the world go by. Located in and around the park are a few options for great coffee and treats…Convoy is my favourite! There are often concerts and events in the park as well.” – Aimee
Queens Park, Moonee Ponds
A picturesque picnic ground with loads to do
Where: Geelong Botanic Gardens, Geelong
The best bits: “My kids absolutely love the Geelong Botanic Gardens. It’s such a peaceful place to visit and the gardens are just beautiful! You honestly feel like you’ve been transported to another world when you enter through the gates. You can easily spend the best part of a day here too. Exploring the stunning water fountains, fish ponds where you just might see a little frog, towering fern trees, glass houses and looking for the super cute ladybug rocks on the winding pathways that meander through the gardens. It's a magical place for kids and adults alike!” – Emily
Featured: Aida Holiday Picnic Bag
Walking trails & baked goods
Where: Maroondah Reservoir Park, Healesville
The best bits: “I like to pack up the car and head for the hills when the picnic mood strikes me. Maroondah Reservoir Park is one of my faves as it has plenty of comfy grass to stretch out on and lots of beautiful trees providing shade. My hot tip – stock up on fresh bread and sweets at one of the many bakeries in Healesville on your way there! You can walk off the picnic feast by taking a stroll along the dam wall where you get an awesome view over the peaceful lake and native forest.” – Sarah
Maroondah Reservoir, Healesville
Awe-inspiring picnic areas
Where: Australian Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne
The best bits: “For something a bit different, I’d recommend checking out the Australian Garden. Showcasing spectacular landscape design and Aussie flora, the red sand garden, lilypad bridge and massive collection of weird and wonderful plants are definitely worth a look. There are lots of benches, flat picnic areas and vantage points throughout where you can stop to admire each different unique section of the garden as you tuck into a picnic lunch. There’s also a cafe and canteen on site so you can grab a hot bev and sweet treat if you fancy. And on hot days bring a towel as little kids love splashing around in the rockpool water feature.” – Larissa
Australian Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne
Grab the picnic rug & go!
From sun-dappled grassy hills to desert scapes to sunsets over the bay, the Sage x Clare team’s 8 top spots in Melbourne for a delightful picnic surely have something for everyone. We hope these places inspire you to get away, explore, relax, enjoy and connect with your special people.
Did your favourite picnic area make our list? If not please share it with us and our community in the comments section. We’d love to extend this list!